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The Pittsburgh Pirates and Altoona Curve announced the 2023 coaching staff for the 25th season, and Callix Crabbe was named the manager.
"I am excited to meet the new members of our coaching staff and reunite with the returning members in Altoona this spring," Curve GM Nate Bowen said. "I'm excited to work with this group and see them on the field in 106 days on our Opening Day on Thursday, April 6."
Crabbe was named the 14th manager in Altoona's franchise history following one season as the leader of High-A Greensboro. Crabbe will be joined by three returners from the 2022 staff: Hitting coach Jon Nunnally, Integrated baseball performance coach Blake Butler and Athletic Trainer Victor Silva.
The staff also includes a returner from the 2021 coaching staff, bench coach Gary Green. Rounding out the group are pitching coach Cale Johnson and strength and conditioning coach Glenn Nutting.
Crabbe, a native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, was the organization's assistant hitting coordinator. He led the Grasshoppers to 58 wins last year and oversaw the development of several top Pirates prospects who matriculated to Double-A Altoona during the season, including catchers Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez, as well as outfielder Matt Gorski.
Crabbe played 10 years of professional baseball after he was selected in the 12th round of the 2002 MLB Draft out of Manatee Community College in Bradenton by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Following his retirement from playing, Crabbe quickly jumped into the coaching ranks. He spent the 2012-16 seasons as a baseball instructor and coach at IMG Academy in Bradenton and later spent the 2019-21 seasons as the assistant hitting coach with the Texas Rangers.
Crabbe resides in Valrico, Fla., with his wife, Amanda, daughter Alana (12) and son Calyx (9).